SAU vs. Methodist

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Methodist based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Methodist University is in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Methodist University 11:1.

SAU vs. Methodist Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU or Methodist? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Spring Arbor University than Methodist ($21,067 vs. $26,334).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 19.7% lower than at Methodist University ($11,440 vs. $14,250).
• Methodist University is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $7,236 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Methodist than at Spring Arbor University (about $7,236 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Methodist University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Methodist University students is 23.4% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($29,476 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Methodist Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU or Methodist? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Methodist and SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Methodist University (1170) is 40 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Methodist University 1080/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMethodist University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Methodist - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Methodist (3.58).
• Methodist has a higher acceptance rate (75.1%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 15.3% at Methodist.

SAU vs. Methodist Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU and Methodist? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Methodist University's (39%).
• Graduates from Methodist University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than Methodist graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Methodist graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More SAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Methodist students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.